From the sheer number of pictures taken of Skógafoss, I tend to assume that it is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. And understandably so! At 200′ tall and 60′ wide, it is one of the most striking waterfalls on the island. It’s also not difficult to visit Skógafoss, which is only about two hours from Reykavík. So even if you’re just enjoying a stopover in the country for a day or two, it is definitely within driving distance.

Many of the waterfalls in Iceland are very “personal.” You can get up close without much difficulty, and Skógafoss is probably one of the easiest to get up close and personal. Even with the intense flow, you can walk up the rocky river bank and experience the intense spray from the falls. I think that’s why it is so popular! (And oddly enough, even though it’s popular, you aren’t likely to see hundreds of people there at any point in time. When I visited, there were probably 15 or 20 others, at most.

If you’re interested in exploring more, there is a trail to the right of the falls. Apparently, if you’re up for the 8 kilometer hike (one-way), there are 20+ waterfalls further upstream (info here). Even if you’re not interested in hiking, by exploring along the beginning of the trail, you might find a different vantage point for the falls. It’s a really beautiful area. There is at least one hotel right near the falls, so if you’d like to stay the night in a beautiful scenic setting, that would be a great option. (Though in Iceland, there are many other great options, since everything is so scenic!)

Directions:

1. If coming from Reykavík, drive for about two hours, headed east along the Ring Road (Road 1). You’ll come to the town of Skoga.
2. Headed east, you will turn left into the town. You should be able to see Skógafoss from the road, so it’s pretty difficult to miss. I think there are signs if you’re still not noticing it!
3. Once turning, follow the roads that head back west toward the falls for a quarter of a mile or so. Just keep the falls in your sight until you reach the parking area.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 197′
Length of Hike: up to 0.3 miles round-trip (to get closer), though you can see it from the parking area

Skógafoss in June 2012

Where in the World is Skógafoss?